Constitutional Convention

1
Constitutional Convention

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• 1787

2
Did we keep the Articles of Confederation? Why or
why not?

• NO
• It gave too much power to the states.
• Shays Rebellion pointed out the weaknesses.

3
Did we create a strong central government? Why?
What powers does centralgovernment have?

• YES
• The United States needed ONE government to make
  the decisions for the country, not 13.
• In a federal nation, the central government has
  defined powers, with full sovereignty over
  external affairs. The U.S. government has
  exclusive power to regulate interstate and
  foreign commerce, coin money, provide for the
  naturalization of immigrants and maintain an army
  or navy, among other things.

4
Did we establish a leader? Did we call him a
king? Why or Why not? What did we call him if
its not a king? What if he gets too powerful?
What can the leader do? How do we make sure he
doesnt get tyrannical?

• Executive Branch President in Charge
• Didnt name him king because the leaders didnt
  want another monarchy
• Checks and Balances makes sure the Executive
  Branch cant get too powerful (Congress can
  impeach)

5
What about a group to make laws? Is it the
leader? A congress a group of representatives
from each state? How many people make up
congress? How id that number determined?

• Legislative Branch Congress
• Senate
• Based on Equality
• 2 per state
• House of Representatives
• Number Based on Population
• This was a result of the New Jersey and Virginia
  Plans creating the Great Compromise

6
Were women and children counted as population
even though they probably wont be allowed to
vote? What about slaves? Were slaves considered
population?

• Women and Children counted for population but
  could not vote.
• 3/5 Compromise
• Slaves counted as 3/5 a person
• For both representation and taxation

7
Who chooses Congress? Who was allowed to vote?

• Land Owning White Males could vote
• Voting Rights later expanded with the 15th (1869)
  and 19th (1919) amendments.